Republics in Ancient India, c. 1500 B.C.–500 B.C. c7.435

c7.435

Since they, as was the wish of yearning gods, brought forth
that yearning Agni for the *vidatha* as priest.¹
6. Let Pūṣan take thy (Sūryā’s) hand and hence conduct thee;
may the two Aśvins on their car transport thee.
Go to the house to be the householder’s mistress, and speak
as lady to thy *vidatha*.²
Happy be thou and prosper with thy children here: be
vigilant to manage thy household in this home.
Closely unite thy body with this man, thy lord;
So shall ye, full of years, speak to the *vidatha*.³
7. We, band on band and troop following troop (*gaṇaṁ-gaṇaṁ*),
entreat with fair lands Agni’s splendour and the Maruts’
might.
With spotted deer for steeds, with wealth that never fails,
they, the wise ones (gods), come to the sacrifice (*yajñām*)
at our *vidatha*.⁴
8. The pleasant priest (Agni) has come into the *vidatha*, true,
skilled in sacrifice, the most wise, Ordainer.
Agni, the son of strength, whose car is lightning, whose hair
is flame, has shown his lustre on earth.⁵
9. Agni, thou art king Varuṇa whose laws stand fast; as Mitra
wonder-worker, thou must be implored.
Aryaman, heroes’ Lord, art thou, enriching all, and liberal
Aṁśa in the *vidatha*, O thou god.⁶
10. At Jātavedas’ *vidatha* I will speak aloud the conquering might
of the swift red-hued steer.
A pure and fresher hymn flows to Vaiśvānara, even so for
Agni lovely Soma is made pure.⁷
11. The princely worshippers who send to those who sing thy
praise, O Agni, reward graced with kine and steeds—
Lead thou both these and us forward to higher bliss, with
brave men in the *vidatha*, may we speak aloud.⁸
12. May Indra come to us for our protection; here be the hero
praised, our feast’s companion;
May he whose powers are many, waxen mighty, cherish, like
Dyaus (the Asura) his own supreme dominion.